sententious

[ sen-ten-shuhs ]

adjective

1. abounding in pithy aphorisms or maxims:

   a sententious book.

2. given to excessive moralizing; self-righteous.

   Synonyms: moralistic, sanctimonious, didactic, preachy

3. given to or using pithy sayings or maxims:

   a sententious poet.

4. of the nature of a maxim; pithy.

sententious

/ sɛnˈtɛnʃəs /

adjective

1. characterized by or full of aphorisms, terse pithy sayings, or axioms
2. constantly using aphorisms, etc
3. tending to indulge in pompous moralizing

Derived Forms

• senˈtentiousness, noun
• senˈtentiously, adverb

Other Words From

• sen·ten·tious·ly adverb
• sen·ten·tious·ness sen·ten·ti·os·i·ty [sen-ten-shee-, os, -i-tee], noun
• non·sen·ten·tious adjective
• non·sen·ten·tious·ness noun
• un·sen·ten·tious adjective
• un·sen·ten·tious·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sententious¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin sententiōsus “meaningful, pithy”; sentence, -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of sententious¹

C15: from Latin sententiōsus full of meaning, from sententia; see sentence

Example Sentences

"No fief can remain in the possession of a woman," was the sententious utterance of the bailiff.

From Project Gutenberg

“He may delay his defense if he like,” said a sententious young officer to whom I had imparted this natural wish.

From Project Gutenberg

Another long and deliberate pause succeeded these sententious questions and ready replies.

From Project Gutenberg

As soon as the door had closed behind him, several of the gamesters exchanged sententious nods and glances.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus appealed to, however, he answered his friend in his ordinary sententious manner.

From Project Gutenberg